Avon is innovating with their Mega Effects Mascara, which is packaged like an eyelash curler. Yes, I needed to read the accompanying instructions TWICE to figure out how to use it –grip it, rock it, bend it, brush it, rock it– and that’s usually a sign that I’m not going to like a product. When I can’t just use it and go, it’s off putting. Except in this case. What looks like a clunky construction turned out to be a lash miracle. I got every last lash plumped, lengthened and darkened…like falsies in a tube. Grab it here.

Marc Jacobs has launched a 100-piece collection at Sephora, the packaging of which is a divine as the actual product itself. Encased in sleek, lacquered black compacts with vintage purse-like clasps, there is a lot to love. Full disclosure, ladies. I bow down to MJ. I prefer his Marc by Marc Jacobs diffusion line for its rock ‘n’ roll essence. But his makeup comes close to supplanting my MAC and Urban Decay worship. I played with The Mod Style Eye-Con Plush Shadow palette to create a ghostly grey and sparkly black smoky eye, so this slim case arrived just in time for fall, when I pile on more eye makeup. I also used it to enhance a cat-eye, with the hushed grey shade serving as a wash and the black as an under eye liner.

The Lovemarc Lip Gel Rouge has a rounded, tapered bullet and why, yes, Marc, I DO love you. Seduce Me is a prime-for-fall, berry stain.

The Shameless Bold Blush in Irresistible is citrus orange in the pan but when buffed via a fluffy brush, it’s a soft, summery, juicy whisper of color that is ripe for fall, too.

Overall, the products are lush like you’d expect from MJ. Disappoint? Not an option with him and he came through with flying colors –over 100 of ‘em– with this selection.

NARS Radiant Cream Compact Foundation is a flawless formulation that provides the coverage of a cream with the light feel of liquid. But it gives you options since you can apply it both wet or dry. I personally love the iPhone case-like packaging, too.

I am sometimes flip about mascara. I love DiorShow, because, well, who doesn’t? But then I can hang with Rimmel’s Scandal Eyes. I am almost ready to commit to Make Up For Ever‘s Smoky Extravagant, which is loaded with thickening, volumizing and curling black pigment. My only rule with my lashes anymore is too black is not black enough. This miracle in a tube has a teardrop-shaped lash separator for a wand, so each tip is coated. I must apply four coats because it’s such a rich, non-clumpy formula. Grap it at Sephora, of course.

tarte amazonian butter lipstick trio drenches lips with color and shine, and not to mention a minty freshness. Mmm. This ménage à trois offers shine, moisture and plenty of color payoff. No need to apply a clear gloss for some added shine because it’s already infused with plenty on its own. I crushed on creamy rose, a nudish pink, but there’s also tulip, a pinkish red, and coral blossom, a true “look at me” coral. The formula is not long-lasting, but lipstick is meant to be applied and reapplied, right? Available via QVC.

Everyday Minerals new 5-piece Bamboo Brush Set is good for your face and your product, but more importantly, it’s good for the environment. Crafted –exquisitely so– from bamboo and synthetic fibers, the handles are firm and easy to grip, while the bristles are some of the softest to ever touch my face. I love an animal-friendly makeup brush that allows me to apply shadow under my lower lashline. I used the fluffy blush brush to apply a dusting of MAC Studio Fix Powder –my go-to– and application was flaw to the less. The Eyebrow + Eyelash Comb Duo was aces when I was shaping my need-to-be-waxed brows. Divine, divine, divine.

I’m channelling my inner Nicki Minaj as a last ditch effort to cling to summer fun and bright, colorful makeup. butter LONDON’s Wink Colour Mascara in Pistol Pink provides a shadowless pop of color for a lazy girl on a lazy day. It was tight when paired with black liner. It’s packaged like lip gloss in a square, clear tube. I applied by in an upward and outward motion and proceeded to bat my lashes all night long.

Inky Six, the brand’s ice blue Wink Cream Eye Shadow, adds just the right amount of sparkle in the inner corners, too. Both are available Ulta.com and here.